Andy Soucek parts company with Virgin Racing

Reigning Formula 2 champion Andy Soucek has terminated his contract with Virgin Racing as a reserve and test driver.

Spanish-born Soucek has not had any running with the Dinnington-based team, despite his contract reportedly stipulating test-driving duties.

Other teams, including Force India and Lotus Racing have opted to run third or reserve drivers in Friday morning practice to give them much-needed track time, and to fulfil contractual agreements, but this has not been the case with the under-fire newcomers.

The Spanish press considers Soucek’s lack of track time to be a breach of contract, with the 25-year-old who has provided the team with almost £1m in sponsorship payments, set to leave the team with immediate effect.

Soucek is understood to be in talks with other teams about a possible third driver role, hoped to be finalised before the Belgian Grand Prix at the end of August, or could even move back to GP2 for the rest of the current season.

Virgin Racing also has young Brazilian Luiz Razia on their books as a reserve and test driver. At the beginning of the season, Razia said he expects to take part in Friday morning practice after the end of the GP2 season, mentioning Suzuka and Interlagos, as likely opportunities.